Human-caused mortality of large carnivores in Iran during 1980–2021

Abstract

Human-caused mortality is the main cause of death for large carnivores worldwide and has had serious adverse effects on their populations. Detailed quantitative information on potential causes and patterns of mortalities are vital for development of effective conservation strategies. We investigated human-caused large carnivore mortalities across Iran using reports provided by Iran’s Department of the Environment (DOE) during January 1980–January 2021, which comprised 399 mortality instances involving 443 carnivore deaths. Brown bears (Ursus arctos) had the highest frequency of occurrence (30%), followed by striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena; 24%), and Persian leopards (Panthera pardus saxicolor; 17%). Overall, mortalities related to agricultural (i.e. livestock, or crops including plants, fruits, beehives) loss occurred more frequently (31%) than mortality related to illegal trade (21%) and risk to humans (7%). Specifically, brown bears were killed more frequently due to potential threats to human life and crops, whereas leopards and wolves were killed more often because of livestock depredations. Additionally, leopards were killed more frequently for illegal trade of their skins. We recommend the DOE improve local communities’ attitudes toward large carnivores by promoting conservation education programs and incentive compensation schemes, as well as implement mitigation measures (e.g. wildlife crossing structures or fencing) at road mortality hotspots to prevent unnecessary deaths of large carnivores in Iran.